Press Release: PHS Launches Greening Plan to Transform Nicetown and Tioga Neighborhoods
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has unveiled the "Love Where You Live" greening plan, a comprehensive community-driven initiative aimed at revitalizing North Philadelphia’s Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods. Historically characterized by disinvestment and environmental injustices, these areas, predominantly home to Black and Brown residents, face challenges in crime, unemployment, and access to fresh food.
Working closely with local residents and organizations like Nicetown CDC and Tioga United, PHS has crafted a series of horticulturally focused strategies to address pressing neighborhood issues. Key initiatives include greening vacant lots, creating green jobs, restoring tree canopies, enhancing access to fresh food, and encouraging community gardening.
The program aims to implement low-cost, effective solutions grounded in the community’s aspirations. By fostering trust and understanding within this historically disinvested area, PHS gathered insights from over 400 residents to ensure the plan directly reflects their desires for environmental improvements. Forums were held to discuss how PHS can support these green transformations.
Noteworthy accomplishments in the program’s first two years include the cleaning and greening of over 1.19 million square feet of vacant land, planting over 300 trees, creating 55 raised beds, and generating 2,772 daily green jobs, with 33 residents completing job training. The innovative "Front Porch Challenge" has significantly increased community engagement, with participation more than doubling, showcasing neighborhood creativity in gardening.
PHS’s commitment to the Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods continues as they expand efforts to foster long-term stewardship of environmental change, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents and create a sustainable future.
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